OSAGE BEACH, M.O. — Delores "Lois" Utley (Marler), 86 of Osage Beach, Missouri peacefully passed away at home on February 5, 2025 in Byrnes Mill, Missouri surrounded by her loving family. 

Lois was born in Chonia, Missouri on April 26, 1939 to George and Mary (Hicks) Marler. Later on, she was married in 1955 to James "Jim" Utley. They moved to the community of Rochelle, Illinois and became longtime residents raising their two sons, Tim and Steven.  Lois was a dedicated employee working at Eagle grocery store as a cashier, and anyone that knew of her wanted to be in her check out line. Lois and her husband, Jim, were also long time members of the Moose Club. In addition to her years of service to the grocer, she also found time for many kind gestures including charity work, volunteering to wrap Christmas presents at the local church, and donating to Toys for Tots among many other anonymous generous deeds. 

Later in life, Lois and her husband saved money to buy their slice of paradise in Osage Beach, Missouri in 1997. She lived out some of her most cherished years at the lake condominium inviting family and friends to visit. Lois' friendships were immeasurable and one of her greatest values in life. 

Lois is most fondly remembered for her friendship, magnetic personality, loving nature toward her grandchildren and great grandchildren, always making sure everyone was taken care of around her, and her love for life. 

She was preceded in death by husband of 48 years, James "Jim" Utley; son, Tim Utley (Sharon); son, Steven Utley; sisters: Pauline Elder, Jewell Davis-Ward, Virgie Baker and Beulah "Boots" Gobtop, and brother-in-law, Eugene "Shin" Baker.

Left to cherish Lois' memory are her partner of 17 years, Walter Lee and his family; brother, Earl "Busse" (Janis) Marler; brother-in-law, Bill Gobtop; grandchildren: Mike (Emily), Joe (Chaiti), Stephanie (Jake), and Jeremy, step grandchildren: Anthony, Audra, and Mary, great-grandchildren: Braxton, Jace, Kairi, Jayna, and Lincoln and many special nieces and nephews. 

The visitation will be from 2:00-5:00 P.M., Sunday, February 23, 2025 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle.  The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Monday, February 24 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home.  Immediately following the service, Lois will be laid to rest alongside her late husband and sons at Lawnridge Cemetery in Rochelle.  Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.